Methods and systems for monitoring lift usage

ABSTRACT

Methods and systems for lift monitoring are described. In one embodiment, a first operation signal may be received from a first relay coupled to an electro-mechanical patient lift when the electro-mechanical patient lift is being operated in a first position. A second operation signal may be received from a second relay coupled to the electro-mechanical patient lift when the electro-mechanical patient lift is being operated in a second position. A determination of whether a lift qualification threshold is met may be based on the receiving of the first operation signal and the second operation signal. An occurrence of a lift may be recorded when a determination is made that the lift qualification threshold is met. Additional methods and systems are disclosed.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO A RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims benefit to U.S. patent application Ser. No.12/794,438, filed Jun. 4, 2010, which claims benefit to U.S. ProvisionalPatent Application Ser. No. 61/184,642, filed Jun. 5, 2009, the entirecontents of which are herein incorporated by reference.

FIELD

This application relates to methods and systems for device monitoring,and more specifically to methods and systems for monitoring usage ofelectro-mechanical lifts.

BACKGROUND

Healthcare facilities have had a tremendous amount of back injuries andworkmen compensation claims, a majority of which were caused by staffmanually lifting and repositioning patients that have at least somedifficulty. Patients at times were also injured by not being lifted orrepositioned properly.

Today, most healthcare facilities have purchased electro-mechanical liftequipment to help with the lifting and repositioning of patients. Thepurchase of lifts did not automatically reduce injuries at the rate thefacilities had hoped. Some staff still continue to perform lifts orrepositioning without use of the lift equipment.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an example lift monitoring system,according to an example embodiment;

FIG. 2 illustrates an example transmitter that may be deployed in thelift monitoring system of FIG. 1, according to an example embodiment;

FIG. 3 illustrates an example monitoring computing device that may bedeployed in the lift monitoring system of FIG. 1, according to anexample embodiment;

FIGS. 4 and 5 are block diagrams of example lift monitoring subsystemsthat may be deployed within the transmitter of FIG. 2 and/or themonitoring computing device of FIG. 3, according to example embodiments;

FIGS. 6-10 are block diagrams of flowcharts illustrating methods forlift monitoring, according to example embodiments;

FIGS. 11 and 12 are diagrams of example measurement deviceconfigurations, according to example embodiments;

FIGS. 13-19 are diagrams of example screenshots, according to exampleembodiments; and

FIG. 20 is a block diagram of a machine in the example form of acomputer system within which a set of instructions for causing themachine to perform any one or more of the methodologies discussed hereinmay be executed.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Example methods and systems for lift monitoring are described. In thefollowing description, for purposes of explanation, numerous specificdetails are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding ofexample embodiments. It will be evident, however, to one of ordinaryskill in the art that embodiments of the invention may be practicedwithout these specific details.

In an example embodiment, one or more measurement devices are coupled toan electro-mechanical patient lift. The measurement devices may make oneor more readings of the electro-mechanical patient lift. The readingsmay be provided to a transmitter. The transmitter may then provided thereadings to a monitoring computing device, or may itself determinewhether a lift has occurred based on analysis of the readings. Once thedetermination of whether a lift has occurred has been made, theresulting data may be stored and used in a variety of ways.

In some embodiments, the methods and systems for lift monitoringpassively provide real-time information regarding use of the liftingequipment directly to administrators of facilities that haveelectro-mechanical patient lifts. In some embodiments, the use of themethods and systems for lift monitoring may encourage greater usage ofthe electro-mechanical patient lifts by equipment operators at thesefacilities. In some embodiments, the use of the methods and systems forlift monitoring may reduce injuries caused by non-use or improper use ofelectro-mechanical patient lifts by certain operators at thesefacilities that are not using the electro-mechanical patient lifts asdirected by an administrator.

In some embodiments, the methods and systems may be used toincrementally train staff in a facility to use electro-mechanicalpatient lifts for one of a variety of different lift types. Thesemethods and systems may provide program management and increase culturalchange acceptance of greater use of electro-mechanical patient lifts atfacilities.

In some embodiments, the methods and systems may be used to reduce thenumber of injuries relating to unassisted lifts. In addition, themethods and systems may enable continued and greater adoption ofelectro-mechanical patient lifts for a variety of different liftingactivities that are often performed in facilities.

In some embodiments, the methods and systems may be used to keep thecorrect number of slings and accessories in the unit or department ofthe facility. This information may be used to reduce facility costs inlost slings and improve outcomes (e.g., based on a better chance thecorrect slings in the correct number will be in the unit or departmentwhen needed).

In some embodiments, the methods and systems enable analysis of liftdata and then based on that analysis distribute usable data to certainstaff based on what the data is and the values of that data. The methodsand systems may then be used to provide recommendations for improvedmethods of dealing with a subpar outcome.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an example lift monitoring system 100,according to an example embodiment. The lift monitoring system 100includes an electro-mechanical patient lift 102 that is used in ahospital or other health care facility to assist in the lifting orrepositioning of a patient. The electro-mechanical patient lift 102 maybe a portable or nonportable lift. The nonportable lift is usuallyaffixed in a patient room of the facility that is designated for use bycertain patients that need lift or repositioning assistance. Theportable lifts are movable from room to room in the facility. Theportable lifts may include a total care lift and/or a stand assist lift.

Data regarding use of the electro-mechanical patient lift 102 isobtained by use of one or more measuring devices 108. The measuringdevices 108 make readings during operation or non-operation of theelectro-mechanical patient lift 102. The readings may be used todetermine whether a patient lift using the electro-mechanical patientlift 102 was performed. The measuring devices 108 may be attached to,integrated with, or otherwise coupled to the electro-mechanical patientlift 102. Examples of the measuring devices 108 include relays, currentsensors, load sensors, vibration sensors, motion sensors, or the like.Other types of measuring devices may also be used alone or incombination.

The measuring devices 108 provide the readings to a transmitter 110. Insome embodiments, the transmitter 110 provides the readings to areceiver 113. In other embodiments, the transmitter 110 receives thereadings and determines whether a lift or a non-lift has occurred. Thedetermination of whether the lift or non-lift has occurred may then bestored on the transmitter 110 for later reading by an administrator ofthe facility in which the system 100 is deployed. The determination may,in some embodiments, be communicated to a monitoring computing device106.

The transmitter 110 may be attached to, integrated with, or otherwisecoupled to the electro-mechanical patient lift 102. The transmitter 110may be separate from or integrated with one or more of the measuringdevices 108. The transmitter 110 may communicate through a wired orwireless medium. For example, the transmitter 110 may send informationin a facility at a certain frequency. An example of the transmitter 110is the INOVONICS EE1212 dual input universal transmitter by InovonicsWireless Corporation. However, other types of transmitters with adiffering number of inputs may also be used.

In some embodiments, one or more repeaters 112 are used with the system100 to provide the readings and/or other information from thetransmitter 110 to a receiver 113. An example of the repeater 112 is theINOVONICS EN5040 by Inovonics Wireless Corporation. However, other typesof repeaters may also be used. Multiple repeaters 112 may be deployed ina facility to ensure that the receiver 113 ultimately receives theinformation.

In one embodiment, a repeater 112 may be coupled to a locator. Thelocator may add a location identifier to a received signal that may beused to identify the location of the transmitter 110.

In some embodiments, the receiver 113 receives readings made by themeasuring devices 108 and/or results of determinations made by thetransmitter 110, and provides the information to the monitoringcomputing device 106.

The receiver 113 is coupled to the monitoring computing device 106. Forexample, the receiver 113 may be a 9 pin serial receiver that isphysically and electronically connected to the monitoring computingdevice 106 through a serial card. In one particular embodiment, thereceiver 113 is the INOVONICS EN6040 by Inovonics Wireless Corporation.In some embodiments, the monitoring computing device 106 is locatedinside the facility in which the electro-mechanical patient lifts 102are located. In other embodiments, the monitoring computing device 106is located outside the facility (e.g., a separate monitoring center oras a remote server).

The transmitter 110 and/or the receiver 113 may include a counter torecord a number of lifts that have been performed by theelectro-mechanical patient lift 102. In some embodiments, the numberindicated by the counter may be read by an administrator and resetwithout providing the number of lifts to the monitoring computing device106. In other embodiments, the number indicated by the counter isprovided to the monitoring computing device 106.

The monitoring computing device 106 may store the readings and/ordeterminations as lift data 116 from a number of electro-mechanicalpatient lifts 102 (e.g., of a facility) in a database 114. Themonitoring computing device 106 may receive readings and determinewhether a lift or non-lift has occurred. The monitoring computing device106 may receive a count on a number of lifts and/or non-lifts performedby the electro-mechanical patient lift 102. The results of thedetermination and/or the counts may be stored as the lift data 116.

Examples of the monitoring computing device 106 include a set-top box, agaming unit, a receiver card, a set-top box (STB) a mobile phone, apersonal digital assistant (PDA), a display device, a generic computingsystem, or the like. Other devices may also be used.

The monitoring computing device 106 may use the lift data 116 togenerate one or more report message (e.g., regarding lifts that havebeen performed in a certain geographic area). In one embodiment, themonitoring computing device 106 may archive the lift data 116 for laterreporting.

An administrator device 118 may receive some or all of these reportmessages from the monitoring computing device 106. The administratordevice 118 may be a computing device, pager, cell phone, or otherelectronic device operated by an administrator to obtain informationregarding the operation of the system 100. For example, theadministrator may use the report messages received to determine thatcertain electro-mechanical patient lifts 102 are not being used or notbeing used properly. In one embodiment, the administrator may receivethe report messages real time in an email.

The administrator is a person that may use information about operationof the lifts that occurred in a facility (or multiple facilities). Forexample, the administrator may be a single person in charge of afacility or the operations of some portion of the facility. Multipleadministrators may include staff personnel of a facility that mayreceive the same information or different information depending onparticular settings of the monitoring computing device 106. Otherexamples of administrators include unit managers, department managers,risk managers, or the like.

The report messages may be transmitted over a network 104 from thecomputer monitoring device 106 to the administrator device 118. Examplesof the network 104 include Mobile Communications (GSM) network, a codedivision multiple access (CDMA) network, 3rd Generation PartnershipProject (3GPP), an Internet Protocol (IP) network, a WirelessApplication Protocol (WAP) network, a WiFi network, or an IEEE 802.11standards network, as well as various combinations thereof. Otherconventional and/or later developed wired and wireless networks may alsobe used.

By way of an example, an administrator may log into the monitoringcomputing device 106 during a shift change, identify the patients thatneed lift assistance (and their associated rooms), and determine whetherlift assistance was provided to these patients using theelectro-mechanical patient lifts 102. The administrator may ignore roomsand/or patients that are not in need of lift assistance.

FIG. 2 illustrates an example transmitter 110, according to an exampleembodiment. The transmitter 110 is shown to include a lift monitoringsubsystem 202. The lift monitoring subsystem 202 receives readings fromthe measuring devices 108 and determines whether a patient lift hasoccurred. The transmitter 110 with the lift monitoring subsystem 202 maybe deployed in the system 100, or may be deployed in another system.

FIG. 3 illustrates an example monitoring computing device 106, accordingto an example embodiment. The monitoring computing device 106 is shownto include a lift monitoring subsystem 202. The monitoring computingdevice 106 with the lift monitoring subsystem 202 may be deployed in thesystem 100, or may be deployed in another system.

In some embodiments, the lift monitoring subsystem 202 may be includedin both the transmitter 110 and the monitoring computing device 106,while in other embodiments, the lift monitoring subsystem 202 isincluded in only one of the devices. In yet another embodiment, aportion of the lift monitoring subsystem 202 is included in thetransmitter 110 and a remaining portion is included in the monitoringcomputing device 106. Other configurations may also be used.

FIG. 4 illustrates an example lift monitoring subsystem 400 that may bedeployed as the lift monitoring subsystem 202 in the monitoringcomputing device 106, the transmitter 110, or otherwise deployed inanother system. One or more modules are communicatively coupled andincluded in the lift monitoring subsystem 400 to enable monitoring ofthe electro-mechanical patient lift 102. The modules of the liftmonitoring subsystem 400 that may be included are a designation receivermodule 402, an operation signal receiver module 404, a transmitteridentifier receiver module 406, a location module 408, a signalmeasurement module 410, a load measurement module 412, a liftqualification module 414, and a recordation module 416. Other modulesmay also be included. In some embodiments, the modules of the liftmonitoring subsystem 400 may be distributed so that some of the modulesare deployed in the monitoring computing device 106 and others aredeployed in the transmitter 110. In one particular embodiment, the liftmonitoring subsystem 400 includes a processor, memory coupled to theprocessor, and a number of the aforementioned modules deployed in thememory and executed by the processor.

In some embodiments, the designation receiver module 402 receives athreshold designation. The threshold designation is typically receivedby an administration of the facility and designates certain timethresholds that are enforced in order to qualify a certain activityusing the electro-mechanical patient lift 102 as a lift. The thresholddesignation may include an up time threshold, a down time threshold,and/or a delay time ceiling. The up time threshold indicates an amountof time that the electro-mechanical patient lift 102 is operated in anup position. The down time threshold indicates an amount of time thatthe electro-mechanical patient lift 102 is operated in a down position.The delay time ceiling indicates a maximum amount of time between theoperation of the electro-mechanical patient lift 102 in the up positionand the operation of the electro-mechanical patient lift 102 in the downposition. Other thresholds may also be designated.

When the electro-mechanical patient lift is being operated in a firstposition (e.g., an up position), the operation signal receiver module404 receives a first operation signal from a first relay. Relays are atype of measuring device 108 that may be used with the system 100. Theoperation signal receiver module 404 also receives a second operationsignal from a second relay when the electro-mechanical patient lift 102is being operated in a second position (e.g., a down position).

In some embodiments, the transmitter identifier receiver module 406receives a transmitter identifier when the electro-mechanical patientlift 102 is being operated. The transmitter identifier may be providedwith the operation signals, or may be separately provided. For example,the transmitted identifier may be provided simultaneously with theoperation signals, before the operation signals are provided, or afterthe operation signals were provided. In other embodiments wherein theelectro-mechanical patient lift 102 is an overhead patient lift, theelectro-mechanical patient lift 102 may be hardwired to the monitoringcomputing device 106. The monitoring computing device 106 may thenidentify the particular electro-mechanical patient lift 102 based onexact knowledge of which of many electro-mechanical patient lifts 102 ofa facility that provided a reading.

In some embodiments, the location module 408 is deployed in the liftmonitoring subsystem 400 to identify a location associated with thetransmitter identifier and/or receive positional data associated with alocation of the electro-mechanical patient lift 102. The positional datamay be received from a Global Positioning System (GPS) receiver, a tagassociated with the electro-mechanical patient lift 102, a tagassociated with an operator using the electro-mechanical patient lift102, or the like.

When included in the example lift monitoring subsystem 400, the signalmeasurement module 410 measures signal duration of the operation signalsto identify how long the electro-mechanical patient lift 102 is operatedin the first position and the second position. In other embodiments,time between signal measurements is used.

In some embodiments, load measurement is received from a load sensor bythe load measurement module 412 to determine whether the loadmeasurement meets a load threshold. The load threshold is an amount ofload on the electro-mechanical patient lift 102 that qualifies whether alift has been made. Use of a load threshold may reduce the amount ofnon-lifts that are qualified as lifts. The designation of the loadthreshold may be received by the designation receiver module 402, or maybe otherwise set.

The lift qualification module 414 determines whether a liftqualification threshold is met (e.g., based on receipt of operationsignals). In one embodiment, the lift qualification threshold is one ormore qualifications (e.g., amount, type and/or duration) of one or moresignals to be received that are designated as being sufficient toqualify a reading as being a lift. For example, the lift qualificationthreshold may designate a reading as being a lift when theelectro-mechanical patient lift 102 is operated in the up position forat least five seconds and operated in the down position for at leastfive seconds. The lift qualification may be hard-coded (e.g., by amanufacturer), or may be designated from time to time by anadministrator of a facility or other person. In some embodiments, liftqualification module 414 determines whether the lift qualificationthreshold is met based on the operations signal and a determination thatthe load measurement meets the load threshold.

The recordation module 416 records an occurrence of a lift when adetermination is made that the lift qualification threshold is met. Insome embodiments, the recordation module 416 records the transmitteridentifier with the occurrence of the lift. In other embodiments, therecordation module 416 records the location with the occurrence of thelift. In some embodiments, the recordation module 416 records anoccurrence of a non-lift when a determination is made that the liftqualification threshold is not met. The recordation of the lifts may bemade as the lift data 116 in the database 114 (see FIG. 1).

FIG. 5 illustrates an example lift monitoring subsystem 500 that may bedeployed as the lift monitoring subsystem 202 in the monitoringcomputing device 106, the transmitter 110, or otherwise deployed inanother system. One or more modules are communicatively coupled and areincluded in the lift monitoring subsystem 500 to enable monitoring ofthe electro-mechanical patient lift 102. The modules of the liftmonitoring subsystem 500 that may be included are a current assessmentmodule 502, a measurement receiver module 504, a difference calculationmodule 506, a transmitter identifier receiver module 508, a batterypower condition assessment module 510, a lift qualification module 512,a recordation module 514, a report message transmitter module 516,and/or a compliance module 518. Other or different modules may also beincluded. In some embodiments, the modules of the lift monitoringsubsystem 500 may be distributed so that some of the modules aredeployed in the monitoring computing device 106 and others are deployedin the transmitter 110. In some embodiments, the modules of the liftmonitoring subsystem 400 may be included with the modules of the liftmonitoring subsystem 500, or the lift monitoring subsystem 500 may beincluded with the modules of the lift monitoring subsystem 400. In oneparticular embodiment, the lift monitoring subsystem 500 includes aprocessor, memory coupled to the processor, and a number of theaforementioned modules deployed in the memory and executed by theprocessor.

In general, the lift monitoring subsystem 500 uses a current sensor asthe measuring device 108 instead of the relays used by the liftmonitoring subsystem 400. The lift monitoring subsystem 500 may be usedinstead of or in addition to the lift monitoring subsystem 400. Otherlift monitoring subsystems that include different measuring devices 108may also be used.

In some embodiments, the current assessment module 502 accesses anon-usage current associated with the electro-mechanical patient lift102. The non-usage current is an amount of current flowing through theelectro-mechanical patient lift 102 when the electro-mechanical patientlift 102 is not in operation. In some embodiments, the designationreceiver module 402 may receive the amount of the non-current usage.

The measurement receiver module 504 receives a measurement of currentfrom a current sensor coupled to the electro-mechanical patient lift102. The difference calculation module 506 calculates a currentdifference between the measurement of current and the non-usage current.

The transmitter identifier receiver module 508 receives a transmitteridentifier from the transmitter 110 (see FIG. 1). The battery powercondition assessment module 510 assesses a battery power condition of alift battery used by the electro-mechanical patient lift 102. Thebattery power condition may be affected based on a current operationbeing performed by the electro-mechanical patient lift 102, past use ofthe electro-mechanical patient lift 102, age of the lift battery, or thelike.

The lift qualification module 512 determines whether a liftqualification threshold is met. In some embodiments, the determinationis made based on receipt of the measurement of current. In otherembodiments, the determination is made based on the current differencemeeting the lift qualification threshold. In some embodiments, thedetermination includes assessment of the battery power condition.

The recordation module 514 records an occurrence of a lift when adetermination is made that the lift qualification threshold is met. Insome embodiments, the transmitter identifier is recorded with theoccurrence of the lift.

The report message transmitter module 516 transmits a report message tothe administrator device 118. The report message may include informationassociated with the recording of the occurrence of the lift. The reportmessage may include a lift usage confirmation of the electro-mechanicalpatient lift 102 and/or of an additional electro-mechanical patientlift, a lift nonuse notification of the electro-mechanical patient lift102 and/or of an additional electro-mechanical patient lift, or thelike.

In some embodiments, the report message transmitter module 516 isdeployed in the lift monitoring subsystem 400. In some embodiments, thedesignation receiver module is deployed in the lift monitoring subsystem500. Other variations on the inclusion and coupling of modules in thelift monitoring subsystems 400, 500 may be used.

FIG. 6 illustrates an example lift monitoring subsystem 600 that may bedeployed as the lift monitoring subsystem 202 in the monitoringcomputing device 106, the transmitter 110, or otherwise deployed inanother system. One or more modules are communicatively coupled and areincluded in the lift monitoring subsystem 600 to enable monitoring ofthe electro-mechanical patient lift 102. The modules of the liftmonitoring subsystem 600 that may be included are a baseline lift datamodule 602, a value determination module 604, a lift determinationmodule 606, a comparison module 608, a value modification module 610, anupdating module 612, a signal receiver module 614, a timingidentification module 616, a recordation module 618, and/or aqualification threshold module 620. Other or different modules may alsobe included. In some embodiments, the modules of the lift monitoringsubsystem 600 may be distributed so that some of the modules aredeployed in the monitoring computing device 106 and others are deployedin the transmitter 110. In some embodiments, the modules of the liftmonitoring subsystem 400, 500 may be included with the modules of thelift monitoring subsystem 600, or the lift monitoring subsystem 600 maybe included with the modules of the lift monitoring subsystems 400, 500.In one particular embodiment, the lift monitoring subsystem 600 includesa processor, memory coupled to the processor, and a number of theaforementioned modules deployed in the memory and executed by theprocessor.

In some embodiments, the baseline lift data module 602 accesses baselinelift data of a patient facility and the value determination module 604determines a compliance value based on the baseline lift data.

The lift determination module 606 determines a number of patient liftsperformed during a time period in an area of a patient facility.

The comparison module 608 compares the number of patient lifts performedto a compliance value.

The value modification module 610 modifies the compliance value based ona result of comparison between the number of patient lifts performed tothe compliance value.

In some embodiments, the value modification 610 module receives acompliance adjustment from a user and modifies the compliance valuebased on the result of comparison between the number of patient liftsperformed to the compliance value and receipt of the complianceadjustment.

The updating module 612 updates the baseline data based on the number ofpatient lifts performed during the time period.

The signal receiver module 614 receives signals from measuring devicescoupled to an electro-mechanical patient lift.

The timing identification module 616 identifies lift usage timing basedon receipt of a single signal or multiple signals.

The recordation module 618 records lift usage data based on receipt ofthe signal and identification of the lift usage timing.

In some embodiments, the qualification threshold module 620 determineswhether a lift qualification threshold is met based on receipt of thesignal and the identification of the lift usage timing and therecordation module 618 records an occurrence of a lift when adetermination is made that the lift qualification threshold is met.

In some embodiments, the timing identification module 616 identifiestotal lift usage timing during a time period for electro-mechanicalpatient lifts based on lift usage data for the electro-mechanicalpatient lift and the comparison module 608 compares total lift usagetiming to a compliance value.

FIG. 7 illustrates a method 700 for lift monitoring according to anexample embodiment. The method 700 may be performed by the monitoringcomputing device 106, the transmitter 110 of the system 100 (see FIG.1), or may be otherwise performed.

A threshold designation may be received at block 702. The thresholddesignation may include an up time threshold, a down time threshold,and/or a delay time ceiling. The threshold may also include otherdesignations.

At block 704, a first operation signal is received from a first relaycoupled to the electro-mechanical patient lift 102 when theelectro-mechanical patient lift 102 is being operated in a firstposition (e.g., an up position).

At block 706, a second operation signal is received from a second relaycoupled to the electro-mechanical patient lift 102 when theelectro-mechanical patient lift 102 is being operated in a secondposition (e.g., a down position).

In some embodiments, a transmitter identifier is received from thetransmitter 110 at block 708 when the electro-mechanical patient lift102 is being operated.

At decision block 710, a determination of whether a lift qualificationthreshold is met based on receipt of the first operation signal and thesecond operation signal. In some embodiments, the determination is basedon receipt of the first operation signal, the second operation signal,and the designation of the up time threshold, the down time threshold,and/or the delay ceiling.

In some embodiments, a load measurement is received from a load sensorcoupled to the electro-mechanical patient lift 102 and a determinationof whether the load measurement meets a load threshold is made. Thedetermination of whether the lift qualification threshold is met is thenmade at decision block 710 based on receipt of the first operationsignal and the second operation signal and a determination that the loadmeasurement meets the load threshold.

In some embodiments, a first signal duration of receiving the firstoperation signal is measured and a second signal duration of receivingthe second operation signal is measured. The determination of whetherthe lift qualification threshold is met is then made at decision block710 based on a determination of whether the first signal duration meetsthe up time threshold and a determination of whether the second signalduration meets the down time threshold.

If the determination is made that the lift qualification threshold ismet, an occurrence of a lift is recorded at block 712. In someembodiments, the transmitter identifier is recorded at block 714 withthe occurrence of the lift.

If a determination is made that the lift qualification threshold is notmet at decision block 710, an occurrence of a non-lift is recorded atblock 716. In some embodiments, the transmitter identifier is recordedat block 714 with the occurrence of the non-lift.

In some embodiments, a location associated with the transmitteridentifier is identified and the location is recorded with theoccurrence of the lift or non-lift. In other embodiments, positionaldata associated with a location of the electro-mechanical patient lift102 is received and the location is recorded with the occurrence of thelift or non-lift.

FIG. 8 illustrates a method 800 for lift monitoring according to anexample embodiment. The method 800 may be performed by the monitoringcomputing device 106, the transmitter 110 of the system 100 (see FIG.1), or may be otherwise performed.

A non-usage current associated with the electro-mechanical patient lift102 is accessed at block 802. A measurement of current from a currentsensor coupled to the electro-mechanical patient lift 102 is received atblock 804.

A calculation of a current difference between the measurement of currentand the non-usage current is made at block 806. In some embodiments, atransmitter identifier is received from the transmitter 110 at block808.

A battery power condition of a lift battery of the electro-mechanicalpatient lift 102 may be accessed at block 810.

At decision block 812, a determination of whether a lift qualificationthreshold is met based on receipt of the measurement of current is made.The determination of the whether the lift qualification threshold is metmay be based on the current difference meeting the lift qualificationthreshold. In some embodiments, the determination of whether the liftqualification threshold is met is based on receipt of the measurement ofcurrent change and assessment of the battery power condition.

In an example embodiment, a threshold designation may be received priorto the operations performed at decision block 812. The thresholddesignation may include a certain battery condition and/or a specifiedamount of current difference that may be used to determine whether liftqualification threshold. The threshold may also include otherdesignations.

If the determination is made that the lift qualification threshold ismet, an occurrence of a lift is recorded at block 814. In someembodiments, the transmitter identifier is recorded at block 816 withthe occurrence of the lift.

If a determination is made that the lift qualification threshold is notmet at decision block 812, an occurrence of a non-lift is recorded atblock 818. The transmitter identifier may be recorded at block 816 withthe occurrence of the non-lift. In some embodiments, the report messageregarding the occurrences of lifts and non-lifts is transmitted to anadministrator through the administrator device 118 (see FIG. 1) at block820.

In an example embodiment, the report message transmitted at block 820may also be transmitted after the completions of the operations at block712, block 714, and/or block 716 (see FIG. 7).

The report message may be transmitted hourly, daily, weekly, monthly,quarterly, or at some other time increment. The report message mayinclude information regarding all occurrences of lifts and/or non-lifts,or a subset of the number of occurrences. For example, only theoccurrences of lifts on particular electro-mechanical patient lifts 102in a particular facility may be reported. The information provided inthe report message may include aggregate information regarding the liftsand/or non-lifts, or more detailed information may be provided. Forexample, certain electro-mechanical patient lifts 102 may be identifiedin the report message, or the report message may include aggregatedinformation about a certain number or grouping of electro-mechanicalpatient lifts 102.

By way of an example, if there are twelve rooms in a particular ward ofa facility and four of those rooms have patients that need liftassistance, the report message may be sent to the department manager'sphone at the end of the shift confirming the electro-mechanical patientlifts 102 were used in those rooms and how many lifts/transfers wereperformed. The department manager may be provided with crucialinformation on nonuse of certain of the electro-mechanical patient lifts102 so that the manager may immediately communicate with staff andimmediately rectify the problem. That same information may also be sentto a risk manager that may have the ultimate responsibility for thewhole facility. If, as an example, the risk manager sees from theinformation that three of the twelve departments are not utilizing thepotential of their lift equipment properly, automatically notificationsof the noncompliance may be sent to immediately let the departmentmanagers know that this occurred and to timely rectify the problem.

FIG. 9 illustrates a method 900 for lift monitoring according to anexample embodiment. The method 900 may be performed by the monitoringcomputing device 106, the transmitter 110 of the system 100 (see FIG.1), or may be otherwise performed.

A signal is received from a measuring device coupled to anelectro-mechanical patient lift at block 902.

An additional signal may be received at block 904. In some embodiments,the additional signal is received from the measuring device at adifferent time than the signal. In some embodiments, the additionalsignal is received from an additional measuring device coupled to theelectro-mechanical patient lift at a different time than the signal.

Lift usage timing is identified at block 906 based on receipt of thesignal. In some embodiments, identification of the lift usage timing maybe based on receipt of the signal and the additional signal.

Lift usage data is recorded at block 908 based on receipt of the signaland identification of the lift usage timing. In some embodiments,recordation of the lift usage data is based on receipt of the signal andthe additional signal and identification of the lift usage timing.

In some embodiments, a determination of whether a lift qualificationthreshold is met is based on receipt of the signal and theidentification of the lift usage timing. The recording of the lift usagedata may then include recording an occurrence of a lift when adetermination is made that the lift qualification threshold is met.

Total lift usage timing during a time period may be identified for aelectro-mechanical patient lifts at block 910 based on lift usage datafor the electro-mechanical patient lifts.

A comparison of total lift usage timing to a compliance value may bemade at block 912.

The compliance value may be modified at block 914 based on a result ofcomparison between the total lift usage timing and the compliance value.

The baseline data may be updated at block 1016 based on the number ofpatient lifts performed during the time period.

FIG. 10 illustrates a method 1000 for lift monitoring according to anexample embodiment. The method 1000 may be performed by the monitoringcomputing device 106, the transmitter 110 of the system 100 (see FIG.1), or may be otherwise performed.

Baseline lift data of a patient facility may be accessed at block 1002.The baseline lift data is associated with the electro-mechanical patientlifts in a patient facility. In some embodiments, the baseline lift datais accessed from the database 116. In other embodiments, the baselinelift data is received through a user interface.

A compliance value may be determined at block 1004 based on the baselinelift data. In some embodiments, the compliance value is associated witha targeted number of patient lift tasks to be performed in the area. Insome embodiments, the compliance value may be associated with multiplelift types to be performed. In some embodiments, the compliance value isa compliance percentage. For example, the compliance value may be apercentage of a predetermined number of expected patient lifts.

The area may be the entire patient facility, a portion of the patientfacility. The area may include a number of rooms of the patientfacility.

A number of patient lifts performed during a time period in an area of apatient facility is determined at block 1006. The patient facilityincludes electro-mechanical patient lifts.

In some embodiments, the determination of the number of patient liftsperformed is based on the baseline lift data and recorded lift usagedata from at least a portion of the electro-mechanical patient lifts.

A comparison of the number of patient lifts performed to a compliancevalue may be made at block 1008.

At block 1010, modification of the compliance value is made based on aresult of comparison between the number of patient lifts performed tothe compliance value. The modification may include increasing ordecreasing the compliance value. For example, if the number of patientlifts performed is greater than the compliance value, then thecompliance value may be incrementally increased.

In some embodiments, a compliance adjustment may be received from a userand modification to the compliance value may be made based on the resultof a comparison between the number of patient lifts performed to thecompliance value and receipt of the compliance adjustment.

FIG. 11 is a diagram of an example measurement device configuration1100, according to an example embodiment. The measurement deviceconfiguration 1100 may be used with the system 100 (see FIG. 1), or maybe otherwise used.

The measurement device configuration 1100 includes connectors 1102, 1104that are coupled to the electro-mechanical patient lift 102 (see FIG.1). The connectors 1102, 1104 may be connected to actuators of theelectro-mechanical patient lift 102, or may be otherwise coupled. Theinformation (e.g., an amount of voltage) obtained from theelectro-mechanical patient lift 102 by the connectors 1102, 1104 and ispassed through a terminal strip 1106 and diodes 1108, 1110.

The information provided by the connectors 1102, 1104, is then receivedby relays 1112, 1114 and used by the relays 1112, 1114 to make areading.

As shown, the connectors 1102, 1104, are coupled to positive andnegative terminals of the terminal strip 1106. The negative terminal ofthe terminal strip 1106 is coupled to the negative terminal of a relay1112 and through a diode 1110 to the negative terminal of a relay 1114.The positive terminal of the terminal strip 1106 is coupled through adiode 1108 to a positive terminal of the relay 1112 and to the positiveterminal of the relay 1114.

The readings made by the relays 1112, 1114 are then passed through theterminal strip 1106 to transmitters 1116, 1118. The transmitters 1116,1118 may be two separate transmitters, or may be two separate inputs ona single transmitter.

As shown, a com terminal of the relay 1112 is coupled to a transmitter1116 through a R1 comm terminal of the terminal strip 1106. A normallyclosed terminal of the relay 1112 is coupled to the transmitter 1116through a R1 normally closed terminal of the terminal strip 1116. A comterminal of the relay 1114 is coupled to a transmitter 1118 through a R2comm terminal of the terminal strip 1106. A normally opened terminal ofthe relay 1114 is coupled to the transmitter 1118 through a R2 normallyopened terminal of the terminal strip 1116.

Other embodiments of the measurement device configuration 1100 mayinclude different components, different configurations, and/or differentcouplings.

FIG. 12 is a diagram of an example measurement device configuration1200, according to example embodiment. The measurement deviceconfiguration 1200 may be used with the system 100 (see FIG. 1), or maybe otherwise used.

The measurement device configuration 1200 includes a battery 1202 of theelectro-mechanical patient lift 102 (see FIG. 1) coupled to a currentsensor 1206. As shown, the current sensor 1204 is wrapped around apositive wire 1206 of the battery 1202. The reading made by the currentsensor 1204 is then provided to the transmitter 1206.

Other embodiments of the measurement device configuration 1200 mayinclude different components, different configurations, and/or differentcouplings.

FIG. 13 is an example display 1300 of a screenshot, according to anexample embodiment. In some embodiments, the display 1300 may begenerated for a user interface to be displayed to the administrator ofthe system 100.

The display 1300 may allow the administrator to add patient liftequipment to be monitored by the monitoring computing device 106 of themonitoring system 130.

The display 1300 includes drop down menus for selecting the type ofequipment to be monitored, forms for inputting specific equipment data,among others. Additionally, the display 1300 includes fields 1302, 1304,and 1306 for values that a patient facility could use as a basis fordetermining if a lift or task has been performed. For example, as shownin the display 1300, four seconds “Minimum Down” and four seconds“Minimum up” with an interval of twenty seconds between each “MinimumDown” and “Minimum Up” would constitute the completion of a lift or atask. The display 1300 may also include a field for the compliance setpoint (CSP) or compliance value for both day and night shifts.

The display 1400 may include a selection for identification of themanufacturer of the lift (e.g., Liko or Other Manufacture). Theassociated model numbers are also available for selection. The serialnumber for the electro-mechanical patient lift 102, the room or unit towhich the electro-mechanical patient lift 102 is assigned, and a moduleidentification associated with a serial number of the measuring device106 may be identified. If the manufacture or model is unknown, theadministrator may select overhead, sit-to stand and total lift.

The basis upon which the facility wants to use to determine if atask/lift has been performed may also be selected. For instance, theadministrator may define that a task/lift occurs with at least fourseconds up movement and four seconds of down movement. Global settingsfor a unit/department of the facility may be selected, or eachparticular electro-mechanical patient lift may have its own liftcriteria. The administrator may also pick the interval between the firstand the latter movement. For instance, if the electro-mechanical patientlift goes up or down for four seconds but then the interval timeexpires, the lift or task may not be recorded. Also, in the display mayallow selection of how much time the lift is unused before lift data isstored or someone is notified regarding the activity.

FIG. 14 is an example display 1400 of a screenshot, according to anexample embodiment. In some embodiments, the display 1400 may begenerated for a user interface to be displayed to the administrator ofthe system 100.

The display 1400 may present the type of equipment that is beingmonitored by the monitoring computing device 106 of the monitoringsystem 100. The display 1400 includes a listing of the equipment beingmonitored by the monitoring system 100 and the values used to determinewhether a patient lift or task has occurred.

FIG. 15 is an example display 1500 of a screenshot, according to anexample embodiment. In some embodiments, the display 1500 may begenerated for a user interface to be displayed to the administrator ofthe system 100.

In general, the display 1500 may be used to submit a repair requestregarding the electronic mechanical patient lift 102. The repair requestmay specify the unit in which the electronic mechanical patient lift 102is located, the administrator submitting the repair request, the type ofthe electronic mechanical patient lift 102, and comments provided by theadministrator.

FIG. 16 is an example display 1600 of a screenshot, according to anexample embodiment. In some embodiments, the display 1600 may begenerated for a user interface to be displayed to the administrator ofthe system 100.

In general, the display 1600 may be used to submit a training request.The training request may specify the unit in which the electronicmechanical patient lift 102 is located, the administrator submitting therepair request, and comments provided by the administrator. In someembodiments, the training request may be generated for display based onlow achievement with a compliance set point.

FIG. 17 is an example display 1700 of a screenshot, according to anexample embodiment. In some embodiments, the display 1700 may begenerated for a user interface to be displayed to the administrator ofthe system 100.

In general, the display 1700 may be used to automatically transmit amaintenance request to maintenance personnel regarding the use of aceiling electronic mechanical patient lift 102. In some embodiments, themaintenance request may be generated for display and transmitted basedusage of the electronic mechanical patient lift 102. The usage may below usage, no usage, or usage for only particular types of lifts.

FIG. 18 is an example display 1800 of a screenshot, according to anexample embodiment. In general, the display 1800 may be used toautomatically transmit a maintenance request to maintenance personnelregarding the use of a mobile electronic mechanical patient lift 102. Insome embodiments, the maintenance request may be generated for displayand transmitted based usage of the electronic mechanical patient lift102. The usage may be low usage, no usage, or usage for only particulartypes of lifts.

FIG. 19 is an example display 1900 of a screenshot, according to anexample embodiment. In some embodiments, the display 1900 may begenerated for a user interface to be displayed to the administrator ofthe system 100.

In general, the display 1900 may be used to request additionalinformation from the administrator regarding usage below a complianceset point. As shown in the display 1900, information regarding therooms, the area, and the reason for being below the compliance set pointmay be identified.

In some embodiments, the displays 1900, 2000 may be used to initiatepreventative maintenance for the electro-mechanical patient lift 102.The displays may then be transmitted (e.g., via email) to theappropriate department.

In some embodiments, the displays 1900, 2000 or other displays mayinclude an electronic manual for the electro-mechanical patient lift102.

FIG. 20 shows a block diagram of a machine in the example form of acomputer system 2000 within which a set of instructions may be executedcausing the machine to perform any one or more of the methods,processes, operations, or methodologies discussed herein. The monitoringcomputing device 106, the transmitter 110, and/or the administratordevice 118 may include the functionality of the one or more computersystems 2000.

In an example embodiment, the machine operates as a standalone device ormay be connected (e.g., networked) to other machines. In a networkeddeployment, the machine may operate in the capacity of a server or aclient machine in server-client network environment, or as a peermachine in a peer-to-peer (or distributed) network environment. Themachine may be a server computer, a client computer, a personal computer(PC), a tablet PC, a set-top box (STB), a Personal Digital Assistant(PDA), a cellular telephone, a web appliance, a network router, switchor bridge, or any machine capable of executing a set of instructions(sequential or otherwise) that specify actions to be taken by thatmachine. Further, while only a single machine is illustrated, the term“machine” shall also be taken to include any collection of machines thatindividually or jointly execute a set (or multiple sets) of instructionsto perform any one or more of the methodologies discussed herein.

The example computer system 2000 includes a processor 2012 (e.g., acentral processing unit (CPU) a graphics processing unit (GPU) or both),a main memory 2004 and a static memory 2006, which communicate with eachother via a bus 2008. The computer system 2000 may further include avideo display unit 1200 (e.g., a liquid crystal display (LCD) or acathode ray tube (CRT)). The computer system 2000 also includes analphanumeric input device 2012 (e.g., a keyboard), a cursor controldevice 2014 (e.g., a mouse), a drive unit 2016, a signal generationdevice 2018 (e.g., a speaker) and a network interface device 2020.

The drive unit 2016 includes a machine-readable medium 2022 on which isstored one or more sets of instructions (e.g., software 2024) embodyingany one or more of the methodologies or functions described herein. Thesoftware 2024 may also reside, completely or at least partially, withinthe main memory 2004 and/or within the processor 2012 during executionthereof by the computer system 2000, the main memory 2004 and theprocessor 2012 also constituting machine-readable media.

The software 2024 may further be transmitted or received over a network2026 via the network interface device 2020.

While the machine-readable medium 2022 is shown in an example embodimentto be a single medium, the term “machine-readable medium” should betaken to include a single medium or multiple media (e.g., a centralizedor distributed database, and/or associated caches and servers) thatstore the one or more sets of instructions. The term “machine-readablemedium” shall also be taken to include any medium that is capable ofstoring or encoding a set of instructions for execution by the machineand that cause the machine to perform any one or more of themethodologies of the present invention. The term “machine-readablemedium” shall accordingly be taken to include, but not be limited to,solid-state memories, and optical media, and magnetic media. In oneembodiment, the machine-readable medium is a non-transitorymachine-readable medium.

Certain systems, apparatus, applications or processes are describedherein as including a number of modules. A module may be a unit ofdistinct functionality that may be presented in software, hardware, orcombinations thereof. When the functionality of a module is performed inany part through software, the module includes a machine-readablemedium. The modules may be regarded as being communicatively coupled.

The inventive subject matter may be represented in a variety ofdifferent embodiments of which there are many possible permutations.

In an example embodiment, a first operation signal may be received froma first relay coupled to an electro-mechanical patient lift when theelectro-mechanical patient lift is being operated in a first position. Asecond operation signal may be received from a second relay coupled tothe electro-mechanical patient lift when the electro-mechanical patientlift is being operated in a second position. A determination of whethera lift qualification threshold is met based on receiving the firstoperation signal and the second operation signal may be made. Anoccurrence of a lift may be recorded when a determination is made thatthe lift qualification threshold is met.

In an example embodiment, a measurement of current may be received froma current sensor coupled to an electro-mechanical patient lift. Adetermination of whether a lift qualification threshold is met based onreceipt of the measurement of current. An occurrence of a lift may berecorded when a determination is made that the lift qualificationthreshold is met.

In an example embodiment, a wireless transmitter may be coupled to anelectro-mechanical patient lift. A first relay and a second relay may becoupled to the wireless transmitter and the electro-mechanical patientlift. The first relay may activate when the electro-mechanical patientlift is being used in an up position and the second relay activates whenthe electro-mechanical patient lift is being used in a down position.The wireless transmitter may detect activation of the first relay andthe second relay. The information regarding the activation of the firstrelay and the second relay may be sent to a monitoring computer device.

In an example embodiment, a wireless transmitter may be coupled to anelectro-mechanical patient lift. A current sensor may be coupled to thewireless transmitter and the electro-mechanical patient lift. Thecurrent sensor may receive a measurement of current change from acurrent sensor coupled to a battery of the electro-mechanical patientlift and may provide the measurement to the wireless transmitter. Thewireless transmitter may receive the measurement and transmitinformation including the measurement to a monitoring computer device.

In an example embodiment, an operation signal receiver module mayreceive a first operation signal from a first relay coupled to anelectro-mechanical patient lift when the electro-mechanical patient liftis being operated in a first position and to receive a second operationsignal from a second relay coupled to the electro-mechanical patientlift when the electro-mechanical patient lift is being operated in asecond position. A lift qualification module may determine whether alift qualification threshold is met based on the receiving of the firstoperation signal and the second operation signal. A recordation modulemay record an occurrence of a lift when a determination is made that thelift qualification threshold is met.

In an example embodiment, a measurement receiver module may receive ameasurement of current from a current sensor coupled to anelectro-mechanical patient lift. A lift qualification module maydetermine whether a lift qualification threshold is met based on thereceiving of the measurement of current. A recordation module may recordan occurrence of a lift when a determination is made that the liftqualification threshold is met.

In an example embodiment, a determination of a number of patient liftsperformed during a time period in an area of a patient facility may bemade. The patient facility may include a plurality of electro-mechanicalpatient lifts. A comparison the number of patient lifts performed to acompliance value may be performed. The compliance value may be modifiedbased on a result of comparison between the number of patient liftsperformed to the compliance value. The baseline data may be updatedbased on the number of patient lifts performed during the time period.

In an example embodiment, a signal may be received from a measuringdevice coupled to an electro-mechanical patient lift. Lift usage timingmay be identified based on receipt of the signal. Lift usage data may berecord based on receipt of the signal and identification of the liftusage timing.

Thus, methods and systems for lift monitoring have been described.Although embodiments of the present invention have been described withreference to specific example embodiments, it will be evident thatvarious modifications and changes may be made to these embodimentswithout departing from the broader spirit and scope of the embodimentsof the invention. Accordingly, the specification and drawings are to beregarded in an illustrative rather than a restrictive sense.

The methods described herein do not have to be executed in the orderdescribed, or in any particular order. Moreover, various activitiesdescribed with respect to the methods identified herein can be executedin serial or parallel fashion. Although “End” blocks are shown in theflowcharts, the methods may be performed continuously.

The Abstract of the Disclosure is provided to comply with 37 C.F.R.§1.72(b), requiring an abstract that will allow the reader to quicklyascertain the nature of the technical disclosure. It is submitted withthe understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit thescope or meaning of the claims. In addition, in the foregoing DetailedDescription, it can be seen that various features are grouped togetherin a single embodiment for the purpose of streamlining the disclosure.This method of disclosure is not to be interpreted as reflecting anintention that the claimed embodiments require more features than areexpressly recited in each claim. Rather, as the following claimsreflect, inventive subject matter may lie in less than all features of asingle disclosed embodiment. Thus, the following claims are herebyincorporated into the Detailed Description, with each claim standing onits own as a separate embodiment.

What is claimed is:
 1. A method comprising: receiving a measurement ofcurrent from a current sensor coupled to an electro-mechanical patientlift; determining whether a lift qualification threshold is met based onthe receiving of the measurement of current; and recording an occurrenceof a lift when a determination is made that the lift qualificationthreshold is met.
 2. The method of claim 1, further comprising:accessing a non-usage current associated with the electro-mechanicalpatient lift; and determining a current difference between themeasurement of current and the non-usage current, wherein thedetermining of the whether the lift qualification threshold is met basedon the current difference meeting the lift qualification threshold. 3.The method of claim 1, further comprising: assessing a battery powercondition of a lift battery coupled to the electro-mechanical patientlift, wherein the determining of whether the lift qualificationthreshold is met based on the receiving of the measurement of currentchange and the assessing of the battery power condition.
 4. The methodof claim 1, further comprising: receiving a transmitter identifier froma transmitter, the transmitter associated with the current sensor; andrecording the transmitter identifier with the occurrence of the liftwhen the determination is made that the lift qualification threshold ismet.
 5. The method of claim 1, further comprising: transmitting a reportmessage to an administrator device, the report message includinginformation associated with the recording of the occurrence of the lift.6. The method of claim 5, wherein the report message includes at leastone of a lift usage confirmation of the electro-mechanical patient lift,the lift usage confirmation of an additional electro-mechanical patientlift, a lift nonuse notification of an additional electro-mechanicalpatient lift, or combinations thereof.
 7. A machine-readable mediumcomprising instructions, which when executed by one or more processors,cause the one or more processors to perform the following operations:receive a measurement of current from a current sensor coupled to anelectro-mechanical patient lift; determine whether a lift qualificationthreshold is met based on the receiving of the measurement of current;and record an occurrence of a lift when a determination is made that thelift qualification threshold is met.